Real Madrid have beaten FC Barcelona to another top talent after Argentine youngster Lucas Patanelli, dubbed the "New Messi", agreed to join them.
The 15-year-old signed a pre-contract with Los Blancos after impressing scouts at the Bernabeu, as reported by Marca.
Patanelli currently plays for the youth sides of Argentine club Independiente, and was invited to visit Real's facilities.
He was soon convinced to put pen to paper, but FIFA rules only allow him to sign a pre-contract due to his age.
The teenager turns 16 in February 2017 and he will only then be eligible to sign a permanent deal with Los Blancos.
Real recently decided to replicate FC Barcelona's famous La Masia academy, signing talented future stars from all over the world – Marco Asensio, Martin Odegaard and Jesus Vallejo come to mind.
Read: Reports: Man Utd Prepare R3.7 Billion Messi Bid
Barcelona's youth philosophy, meanwhile, has been under the spotlight since FIFA banned the club due to irregularities around the Catalans' signing of under-aged players.
Why do you think Real beat Barcelona to so many upcoming stars? Have your say in the comments section below.
